PPG sees strong U.S. demand

The chemicals and paint firm posted Q4 EPS of $1.53, up 17% and in line with analyst estimates. PPG Industries (PPG) sales climbed 3.7% to $3.65 bil, beating forecasts. It sees stronger U.S. and N. American demand in its paints and coatings firm. PPG also said it's in talks with Essilor International about amending or ending its joint venture Transitions Optical, which makes eyeglass lenses with sun-activated tints. Shares fell 0.8% to 141.03.